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Algorithmic Composition with Max/MSP and Open Music

Workshop Date:

Mon, 07/03/2017 - Fri, 07/07/2017

A formalized journey into the basics of algorithmic composition, using Max/MSP and OpenMusic as pre-composition tools to the aid the artist and engineer alike. We will be exploring how simple algorithmic models can result in intriguing sonic results. Daily tutorials will focus on isolated musical parameters, though not to the extent as to prevent touching on related topics when relevant. The ultimate goal is that students develop their best work over the week into a short composition that uses one or several of the models that we will be explaining during the workshop. Our hope is to show that working with algorithms is not only useful for schematic problem solving, but can also be a good tool for expanding musical and creative thinking.

About the instructors: Andrew Watts; Davor Vincze

Andrew Watts’ works, from chamber and symphonic music to multimedia and electro-acoustic, are actively performed throughout the US and Europe. His compositions have been premiered at world-renowned venues such as Ravinia, the MFA Boston, Jordan Hall, and the Holywell Music Room. In the past few years Mr. Watts has written for top musicians and ensembles including Tony Arnold, Séverine Ballon, Radical 2, and the Los Angeles Percussion Quartet. He is currently a doctoral candidate at Stanford studying with Brian Ferneyhough and working towards a DMA in Composition. Mr. Watts received his master's with distinction from Oxford and his bachelor's with academic honors from the New England Conservatory. This past summer Mr. Watts attended the Internationales Musikinstitut Darmstadt and Composit Festival. In previous years he also participated in the Biennial Ostrava Days Institute, highSCORE Festival, Wellesley Composers Conference, Etchings Festival, Fresh Inc. Festival, New Music on the Point, and the Atlantic Music Festival. More information available at: www.andrewawatts.com

Davor Branimir Vincze is a versatile, intenationally active composer, winner of several awards and stipends in composition. His music posesses the fascinating mixture of natural and social phenomena, mathematical curves, algorithms and electronics. Vincze was born in Zagreb, obtained his degrees in composition in Graz and Stuttgart, followed by the practical training in electronic composition at Ircam in Paris. His pieces have been performed by ensembles Talea, Klangforum, Modern, Recherche, Intercontemporain and many others, in concerts and festivals such as MATA, Impuls, Manifeste, Présences, Biennale Zagreb, etc. In 2014 he has started Novalis, contemporary music festival in Croatia. He is currently working towards a D.M.A in composition with Brian Ferneyhough at Stanford University. More information available at: http://www.db-vincze.com/